Grizzled Giant Squirrel for first time nests in Eastern Ghats

Researchers for the first time have sighted over 300nests of endangered Grizzled Giant Squirrel at Pakkamalai Reserve Forests near Gingee in Eastern Ghats. The sighting of this squirrel species in Eastern Ghats is surprising as it was previously not been recorded and it is usually known to nest in the Western Ghats in Southern India.

Grizzled Giant Squirrel

It is a large tree squirrel in the genus Ratufa. Its scientific name is Ratufa macroura.

Distribution: It usually known to nest in Western Ghats in Southern India ranging from Chinnar Wildlife sanctuary (Kerala to Anamalai Tiger Reserve and Palani hills in Tamil Nadu. Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary dedicated for it is located in Shenbagathoppu, Srivilliputtur, Tamil Nadu. It is also found in Sri Lanka.

Threats: Habitat loss and poaching.

Conservation status: It listed under Schedule I (endangered) of Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. It has been categorised as near threatened by IUCN Red List. It is also listed under Schedule II of CITES.